Pearce went on record last year as saying he did not feel he was ready to be England’s main man, but is obviously happy to step into the breach and solve the immediate crisis which has engulfed the FA by Capello’s surprise departure.

FA chairman David Bernstein said: “With regards to the future, I’m very pleased to announce that Stuart Pearce will manage the England team against Holland.

“He has huge experience both outside and inside this organisation and is of course the manager of the England Under-21 team and has been with Fabio for some time and knows all of the players very well.

“I have confidence in Stuart and we are in good hands. I’m very pleased indeed and would like to commend Stuart Pearce. I spoke to him a little earlier and, as you might expect from Stuart, he was more than happy to do it for his country.”

There still remains the problem of who will be the next England captain for the Holland game, considering the fact John Terry was stripped of the armband due to his race charge which he denies.

Asked who will appoint the captain for the Wembley clash with the Dutch, Bernstein said: “That will be Stuart’s decision. There will be no input from the FA. It’s the same as it would have been with Fabio.

“It will be Stuart Pearce’s decision, the manager’s decision.”

And talking about Pearce’s possible future, Bernstein added: “We have a match at the end of February. We need a short-term, quick answer.

“He is a first-class, available option for this match. We have an open mind beyond that.